WHAT DO YOU WANT TO KNOW?

As much as I dislike the type that claims to know everything about horses, and then proves he doesn't by spouting forth opinion for fact —sometimes as a horseman/writer it is necessary to grab hold of the reins and ride a bold horse. Therefore, I should tell you what experience I have packed into my saddle bags.

I am best known as the father that took his family - three children, the youngest an eight year-old daughter —and a string of twelve horses, on a pack trip of 2,500 miles along the wilderness Pacific Crest Trail, from Mexico to Canada.
See (Search For A Shadow Of The Past.Com)

As a writer I experienced the satisfaction of selling an article about this trip to LIFE and HOLIDAY Magazines. What I am proudest of though, is having finished this expedition without losing a horse. Considering that we had financial problems from the beginning, and that the most we could afford to pay for a single horse was $150, should allow me to speak with a little authority.

I also have trained horses professionally, with results guaranteed as "kid gentle,'" or in the case of a mountain horse, as being able to shoot off his back, capable of crossing a 60 foot high swinging bridge.

And, I am a "semi-retired" professional horseshoer accepting just enough appointments to keep my skills up, and a pot belly down. Because I have always been fascinated with the farriers' art and science, I have published a number of of technical articles on shoeing in horseowners' magazines, as nothing makes a person think harder than to thoroughly research a subject, write it all down, and answer angry responses of " letters to the editor . "

With a background as this, I am setting myself up as an expert. But, I have had enough feedback in my career to realize that it is impossible to put down a fact, and have everyone applaud.

Some of the statements I am going to make are going to be controversial, at least to those that raise or sell horses for a living.

However, this book was written for you: to make it possible for the beginning horseman, and others not experienced, or blessed with an equine eye when it comes to conformation, soundness, etc., to be able to purchase a horse with the confidence that it will be a happy experience. I also am trying to save you money.

In return, I want you to think of me as a friend that just happens to be an expert. Please follow the examination step-by-step, and question anything that doesn't check out with the statement, "Well, I have it from a friend of mine, Barry Murray, that says..!